Iratxe García, leader of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) Group, has issued a strong call to action for the European Union’s 27 member states.
Following her recent mission to Ukraine, the MEP has urged European leaders to bolster aid to Ukraine by ramping up military support, imposing further sanctions on Russia, and utilising €200 billion in frozen Russian assets to assist in Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction efforts.
Ukraine’s Struggle: A Fight for European Values
García underlined the gravity of the situation in Ukraine, describing it as one of the nation’s darkest periods since the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022.
Russian forces continue to launch brutal attacks on civilian infrastructure, employing weapons with nuclear potential and receiving support from authoritarian regimes like North Korea and Iran. North Korean forces have reportedly bolstered Russian efforts in the Kursk region, while Iranian missiles and drones inflict terror on Ukraine’s civilian population.
Despite these immense challenges, Ukrainian authorities remain resolute. According to García, Ukraine’s commitment to European values shines through their refusal to entertain the idea of a ceasefire. Instead, they seek peace through strength—a strategy designed to compel Vladimir Putin to negotiate.
“Ukraine is firmly committed to European values,” García stated. “They want us to help them achieve peace through a position of strength; one which will force Putin to negotiate.”
The Wider Implications of the War
García warned that the stakes of this conflict extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders. She dismissed the notion that sacrificing Ukraine might lead to global peace, cautioning that Putin’s ambitions do not stop at Ukraine. If unchecked, his regime could target other nations such as Moldova, Georgia, or even Lithuania, posing a direct threat to the European Union and the democratic world at large.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine is not an isolated crisis; it is the prelude to a global struggle between authoritarian regimes and democracies,” she declared. This perspective underscores the importance of European unity and decisive action in countering Russian aggression.
Concrete Steps for European Support
To ensure Ukraine can withstand and ultimately overcome Russian aggression, García outlined several urgent measures that the European Union must adopt:
- Increased Military Aid: Ukraine needs more air defense systems, ammunition, and long-range weapons to defend itself effectively. Authorizing strikes on military targets within Russian territory could further bolster Ukraine’s position.
- Enhanced Sanctions on Russia: García called for the implementation of the EU’s 15th sanctions package, specifically targeting those who aid Russia in circumventing existing sanctions. Stricter measures could cripple Russia’s war efforts and demonstrate Europe’s resolve.
- Utilization of Frozen Russian Assets: The €200 billion in frozen Russian assets should be confiscated and allocated toward rebuilding Ukraine and strengthening its defense industry. This financial support would provide a critical lifeline for Ukraine as it fights to protect its sovereignty and future.
The Role of the European Union
García’s plea comes at a time when the United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine is being questioned. With political uncertainties in Washington, Europe must step up as a reliable partner to Ukraine.
“The United States will no longer be a reliable partner. The time has come for the European Union,” she asserted. This statement highlights the urgent need for Europe to take the lead in safeguarding democracy and resisting authoritarian aggression.
García’s mission to Ukraine and her subsequent appeals to the European Council underline the critical juncture at which Europe finds itself. The choices made in the coming weeks will not only determine the outcome of the war in Ukraine but also shape the broader struggle between democratic values and authoritarianism worldwide.
As European leaders gather, the message is clear: the time to act is now. Ukraine’s fight is not just a fight for its own survival but a fight for the values that underpin the European Union. By standing firmly with Ukraine, Europe can send a powerful message to the world that democracy, freedom, and solidarity will, as so many times throughout history, prevail.
